Feeding jar/baby foods - why?

Another month, another "issue" on HB. Everyone knows that the AAP, WHO, etc recommends milk only for first 6 months of life. So I'm curious, why do so many moms jump into not just cereal but actual "veggies" and "fruit" at 3 and 4 months? Is there some benefit/pay-off for doing this that I'm missing?

IMO I would want to put off that mess including the messier diapers as long as I could and just stick with milk. If anything, just a little cereal if they needed help sleeping. Its seems so innatural to feed a baby jar food when the baby cant even sit up on their own, and can get by just fine on BM (or formula)?

I dont understand, what is the rationale for giving a 3 or 4 month old baby food (veggies/fruit)?

Another month, another "issue" on HB. Everyone knows that the AAP, WHO, etc recommends milk only for first 6 months of life. So I'm curious, why do so many moms jump into not just cereal but actual "veggies" and "fruit" at 3 and 4 months? Is there some benefit/pay-off for doing this that I'm missing?

IMO I would want to put off that mess including the messier diapers as long as I could and just stick with milk. If anything, just a little cereal if they needed help sleeping. Its seems so innatural to feed a baby jar food when the baby cant even sit up on their own, and can get by just fine on BM (or formula)?

I dont understand, what is the rationale for giving a 3 or 4 month old baby food (veggies/fruit)?

Maybe not everyone does know that. I have a baby food book that starts off at month 4. That is beside the point. Unless these ladies are pureeing big macs and coke, I don't see why you care what happens in their child's mouth. I can't see the logic in getting worked up cause someone wants to give her baby some banana or avocado. There are bigger fish to fry in parenting, namely taking care of your own child the best you can without being a judgy mcjudgerson about how other moms see fit to take care of their own offspring.

Maybe not everyone does know that. I have a baby food book that starts off at month 4. That is beside the point. Unless these ladies are pureeing big macs and coke, I don't see why you care what happens in their child's mouth. I can't see the logic in getting worked up cause someone wants to give her baby some banana or avocado. There are bigger fish to fry in parenting, namely taking care of your own child the best you can without being a judgy mcjudgerson about how other moms see fit to take care of their own offspring.

I cant help but think this isnt just parents wanting to jump the gun for personal or even selfish reasons -- cuz they want to see something "new" or want their baby to be a "big girl". Barring any health reasons of course. But your average healthy baby -- why? Obvs it wont kill them, but if its not necessary then why jump to it esp given the recent findings.

What does "ready" mean?

I cant help but think this isnt just parents wanting to jump the gun for personal or even selfish reasons -- cuz they want to see something "new" or want their baby to be a "big girl". Barring any health reasons of course. But your average healthy baby -- why? Obvs it wont kill them, but if its not necessary then why jump to it esp given the recent findings.

Is it necessary? Probably not. Will it hurt the baby? No. When my kids were babies, it was recommended to start cereal at three months and pureed fruits and veggies at four. Then, people would start them at two months. Did it hurt the baby? Nope. It seems that parents are always anxious to get to that next stage.

Is it necessary? Probably not. Will it hurt the baby? No. When my kids were babies, it was recommended to start cereal at three months and pureed fruits and veggies at four. Then, people would start them at two months. Did it hurt the baby? Nope. It seems that parents are always anxious to get to that next stage.

Its not that I care what other children eat -- I guess I'm just wanting to understand the rationale behind it, for curiosity's sake. B/c in my mind - more food = more problems. Messier diapers, messy clean-up, possibly tummy aches, etc. So I'm not eager to do it. I'm just trying to understand the thinking behind doing it. (and maybe judging a little, but who cares? im well within my rights)

Its not that I care what other children eat -- I guess I'm just wanting to understand the rationale behind it, for curiosity's sake. B/c in my mind - more food = more problems. Messier diapers, messy clean-up, possibly tummy aches, etc. So I'm not eager to do it. I'm just trying to understand the thinking behind doing it. (and maybe judging a little, but who cares? im well within my rights)

My pediatrician starts baby food at 4 months IF your child is showing rediness. Single grain cereals one at a time and veggies etc at 6 months. If a mom wants to EBF they fully support that options as well.

The AAP website links to the following article on introducing solids which says you can begin introducing at 4-6 months.

My pediatrician starts baby food at 4 months IF your child is showing rediness. Single grain cereals one at a time and veggies etc at 6 months. If a mom wants to EBF they fully support that options as well.

The AAP website links to the following article on introducing solids which says you can begin introducing at 4-6 months.

I think you hit on the concept that is intriguing me. everyone always says "they grow up so fast", "enjoy it while they're little", "Oh I miss mine being so little". Yet at the same time, like you said parents are eager to get to the next stage. Its always exciting to see your LO sit up or do something for the first time -- but isnt it a bad choice to feed them baby food b/c YOUR eager for LO to be at that next stage, when the recommendtions are what they are?

It seems that parents are always anxious to get to that next stage.

I think you hit on the concept that is intriguing me. everyone always says "they grow up so fast", "enjoy it while they're little", "Oh I miss mine being so little". Yet at the same time, like you said parents are eager to get to the next stage. Its always exciting to see your LO sit up or do something for the first time -- but isnt it a bad choice to feed them baby food b/c YOUR eager for LO to be at that next stage, when the recommendtions are what they are?

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.Thomas Jefferson

From:
trekbiker10

To: MJ_Mama

Posted: May-16 10:38 AM (14 of 179)

From wholesomebabyfood.com: (my iPhone is on paragraph strike, sorry for the clusterf*ck...
Loss of tongue-thrust reflex - This allows baby to drink and swallow liquids with ease; with the tongue-thrust reflex still present, baby may simply drink in liquid purees or push the food back out. According to Dr. Jim Sears, in the first four months the tongue thrust reflex protects the infant against choking. When any unusual substance is placed on the tongue, it automatically protrudes outward rather than back. Between four and six months this reflex gradually diminishes, and that glob of cereal actually may have a chance of making it from the tongue to the tummy!
Ability to let you know she is full from a "meal" with signs such as turning away from the bottle or breast. This is important so that baby is able to self-regulate the amount of food being eaten. This helps stop baby from accidentally overeating as parents may continue to feed baby thinking that she is still hungry.
Ability to sit up and hold head up unassisted
Interest in your food (I tend to disagree with this one as when a baby reaches the age of 4-6 months, he is interested in putting everything in his mouth.)
Doubling of birth weight
Frequently waking in the middle of the night when a solid sleeping pattern had been established. This may not be the best indicator that your baby is ready for solids. Please keep in mind that a growth spurt will occur between 3-4 months of age, 6-7 months of age and also 9-10 months of age. Your baby may also be waking due to an illness or teething.

From wholesomebabyfood.com: (my iPhone is on paragraph strike, sorry for the clusterf*ck...
Loss of tongue-thrust reflex - This allows baby to drink and swallow liquids with ease; with the tongue-thrust reflex still present, baby may simply drink in liquid purees or push the food back out. According to Dr. Jim Sears, in the first four months the tongue thrust reflex protects the infant against choking. When any unusual substance is placed on the tongue, it automatically protrudes outward rather than back. Between four and six months this reflex gradually diminishes, and that glob of cereal actually may have a chance of making it from the tongue to the tummy!
Ability to let you know she is full from a "meal" with signs such as turning away from the bottle or breast. This is important so that baby is able to self-regulate the amount of food being eaten. This helps stop baby from accidentally overeating as parents may continue to feed baby thinking that she is still hungry.
Ability to sit up and hold head up unassisted
Interest in your food (I tend to disagree with this one as when a baby reaches the age of 4-6 months, he is interested in putting everything in his mouth.)
Doubling of birth weight
Frequently waking in the middle of the night when a solid sleeping pattern had been established. This may not be the best indicator that your baby is ready for solids. Please keep in mind that a growth spurt will occur between 3-4 months of age, 6-7 months of age and also 9-10 months of age. Your baby may also be waking due to an illness or teething.

Their thinking is that they are doing what is best for their child, not what will make the easiest diapers to clean. If you want to judge another parenting choice that is obviously a benign one, in an attempt to make yourself feel superior, go ahead. Just be prepared for the judgement of others that follows. It is also their right.

I'm just trying to understand the thinking behind doing it.

Their thinking is that they are doing what is best for their child, not what will make the easiest diapers to clean. If you want to judge another parenting choice that is obviously a benign one, in an attempt to make yourself feel superior, go ahead. Just be prepared for the judgement of others that follows. It is also their right.

Most babies are ready to eat solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age.
Before this age, instead of swallowing the food, babies push their
tongues against the spoon or food. This tongue-pushing reflex is
necessary when they are breastfeeding or drinking from a bottle. Most
babies stop doing this at about 4 months of age. Energy needs of babies
begin to increase around this age as well, making this a good time to
introduce solids.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mothers
breastfeed exclusively for at least 4 months but preferably 6 months and
continue breastfeeding after introduction of solid foods until 12
months of age. Check with your child's doctor about vitamin D and iron supplements during the first year.

We started jarred/homemade food at 4 months with our daughter and will do the same with Colin. Jade has always been 50-70th percentile for weight and 70-90th percentile for height, so no obesity/ growth issues here.

When can my baby eat solid foods?

Most babies are ready to eat solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age.
Before this age, instead of swallowing the food, babies push their
tongues against the spoon or food. This tongue-pushing reflex is
necessary when they are breastfeeding or drinking from a bottle. Most
babies stop doing this at about 4 months of age. Energy needs of babies
begin to increase around this age as well, making this a good time to
introduce solids.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mothers
breastfeed exclusively for at least 4 months but preferably 6 months and
continue breastfeeding after introduction of solid foods until 12
months of age. Check with your child's doctor about vitamin D and iron supplements during the first year.

We started jarred/homemade food at 4 months with our daughter and will do the same with Colin. Jade has always been 50-70th percentile for weight and 70-90th percentile for height, so no obesity/ growth issues here.

but isnt it a bad choice to feed them baby food b/c YOUR eager for LO
to be at that next stage, when the recommendtions are what they are?

No, because it is not harmful to the baby. Besides, different Drs. and different organizations have different recommendations and those recommendations change continuously. I would never take anything the WHO says seriously. I would listen to what my pedi has to say and go with my gut.

but isnt it a bad choice to feed them baby food b/c YOUR eager for LO
to be at that next stage, when the recommendtions are what they are?

No, because it is not harmful to the baby. Besides, different Drs. and different organizations have different recommendations and those recommendations change continuously. I would never take anything the WHO says seriously. I would listen to what my pedi has to say and go with my gut.

Well for some babies formula may not be enough, they may need more. And yes, there is the old theory that giving them cereal helps them sleep longer. Basically at that young an age I would say they are more "practicing" eating solids.

Well for some babies formula may not be enough, they may need more. And yes, there is the old theory that giving them cereal helps them sleep longer. Basically at that young an age I would say they are more "practicing" eating solids.

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.Thomas Jefferson

From:
MrsMidd

To: McKids04

Posted: May-16 10:47 AM (20 of 179)

"Their thinking is that they are doing what is best for their child, not
what will make the easiest diapers to clean. If you want to judge
another parenting choice that is obviously a benign one, in an attempt
to make yourself feel superior, go ahead. Just be prepared for the
judgement of others that follows. It is also their right."

Well said!

"Their thinking is that they are doing what is best for their child, not
what will make the easiest diapers to clean. If you want to judge
another parenting choice that is obviously a benign one, in an attempt
to make yourself feel superior, go ahead. Just be prepared for the
judgement of others that follows. It is also their right."

My daughter screams and waves her arms every time I eat around her. She also chews while I eat and follows the food to my mouth. These are signs of readiness. She is 4.5 months. We are about to start bc she is ready.

My son wasn't doing these things at six months, but I started him at that point.

Every baby is sooooo different which is why there are guidelines, but parents get to make the final decision. Obviously your decision is to wait and that is a good decision for you and your baby! But me and my baby are different.

My daughter screams and waves her arms every time I eat around her. She also chews while I eat and follows the food to my mouth. These are signs of readiness. She is 4.5 months. We are about to start bc she is ready.

My son wasn't doing these things at six months, but I started him at that point.

Every baby is sooooo different which is why there are guidelines, but parents get to make the final decision. Obviously your decision is to wait and that is a good decision for you and your baby! But me and my baby are different.

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